Announcing the 2025 Lake Michigan Champions of Conservation
LNRP and Lake Michigan Stakeholders are proud to announce the 2025 Lake Michigan Champions of Conservation. These awards honor individuals and organizations whose work goes above and beyond in restoring, protecting, and enhancing the Lake Michigan Basin. This year’s five Champions—Sarah Dezwarte, Emily Wood, David Miller, Amy Carrozzino-Lyon, and Mayor Ryan Sorenson—exemplify leadership, innovation, and dedication to community-centered environmental stewardship. Join us on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Lake Michigan Day in Manitowoc to celebrate their achievements.
Since 2014, the Lake Michigan Champions of Conservation Awards have recognized outstanding environmental achievements by those working to protect the lands and waters of the Lake Michigan Basin. Behind the scenes and often beyond the scope of their official roles, these Champions are driving change in their communities, schools, nonprofits, and local governments.
We are honored to introduce the 2025 awardees, selected by a dedicated committee of stakeholders from across the basin.
Meet the 2025 Champions
Sarah Dezwarte
As Director of Education at the Sheboygan County YMCA since 2005, Sarah has been a champion for environmental literacy, climate education, and outdoor learning. From hands-on Lake Michigan programming to launching Sheboygan County’s first nature-based 4K preschool, her work blends science, community engagement, and childhood development to deepen connections to nature and place.
Emily Wood
Executive Director of the Door County Land Trust, Emily has led bold, proactive land conservation efforts to protect over 10,000 acres in one of Wisconsin’s most ecologically sensitive regions. Her career spans policy advocacy, organizational leadership, and coalition-building across the Great Lakes, reflecting her deep commitment to long-term environmental stewardship.
David Miller
A biology teacher at Sheboygan North High School, David is affectionately known as “Mr. Tree” for his efforts in urban reforestation across local school campuses. Through collaborations with ROOTS and LNRP, he’s planting the next generation of trees—and conservationists—while making botany and sustainability an everyday part of his students’ lives.
Amy Carrozzino-Lyon
As Restoration Scientist and Project Coordinator at UW–Green Bay, Amy works to conserve and restore the coastal wetlands of Green Bay’s west shore, including Manoomin (wild rice) habitats. She is a mentor, educator, and researcher whose collaborative work bridges Indigenous knowledge, ecological science, and community outreach.
Mayor Ryan Sorenson
Now serving his second term as Sheboygan’s youngest-ever mayor, Ryan Sorenson has made Lake Michigan a priority in both policy and partnerships. His leadership on regional planning boards and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative reflects a strong commitment to clean water, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable development in coastal communities.
There is Still Time to Join Us at Lake Michigan Day to Celebrate
These awardees will be recognized in person during Lake Michigan Day 2025, a special event hosted by Lake Michigan Stakeholders that brings together conservation leaders, community members, and policymakers for a day of learning, networking, and celebration.
📅 Friday, August 8, 2025
📍 Wisconsin Maritime Museum, Manitowoc
🕣 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
🔗 Register and learn more
In addition to the Champions of Conservation award ceremony, the day will include:
Dynamic lightning talks addressing pressing Great Lakes issues and emerging solutions
Recognition of the 2025 Champions of Conservation, honoring leadership in environmental stewardship
Networking and celebration at the museum’s scenic Rooftop Bar
We invite you to join us in celebrating these Champions—and in continuing the collective work to protect and enhance the Lake Michigan Basin for generations to come.
